Bryan and Howards at the double to see Ardley through

Ardley United progressed into the second round of the Perpetua Press Hellenic Floodlit Cup on Tuesday.

They beat Binfield 4-2 in a tie which had looked comfortable for most of the game until two late goals from the visitors put them back in it.

Ardley took a third minute lead when Leam Howards got away down the right and crossed for Troy Bryan who turned and saw his shot go in off the bar.

Lee Farrow made two good saves from James Knight and Muhammed Davies before Ardley twice went close late in the half with Joel Meade and Howards both hitting the woodwork.

Straight from the restart Ardley doubled their lead when Howards raced down the left and into the box before slotting past keeper Garry Aulsberry.

Farrow denied Liam Ferdinand at his front post before Ardley increased their lead on the hour mark. Reece Bayliss was denied by Aulsberry but Bryan was quickest to pounce on the loose ball and thumped it home.

Bayliss also saw his effort bounce back off the bar but with five minutes remaining Binfield grabbed what looked like a late consolation when Courtney Lawrence seized upon a loose ball 30 yards out and fired into the top corner.

Within two minutes Binfield had a second goal when a cross was headed home at the far post by Matt Jones.

Ardley were rocking and two minutes into stoppage-time Davies saw his shot tipped over by Farrow. But a minute later Ardley ended Binfield’s hopes when Bryan released Howards who smashed the ball home to seal the win.